Monday, September 15, 2025
Home Blog

I’m not in charge

Wednesday September 10, 2025 was like any other day in my life; filled with chores and things I wanted to do vs things I had to do. By the end of my “at work” day I was returning home to get started on awaiting chores at home. Feed the dogs, get some semblance of dinner ready, pick up the messes I had left from the morning. It wasn’t until nearly five o’clock pm that I opened a social media site on my phone to see President Trump’s announcement that Charlie Kirk was dead. Honestly, my first thought was that Mr. Kirk had succumb to some genetic condition like a heart attack or that he might have been in an accident. As I read further it was revealed that he had been shot while hosting a Turning Point event in Utah.

Then I did something I regret. I watched the video of the moment he was shot, his body slumping in a position that told me he was gone. While I recognize the beauty and the wonder of the human body, there is something completely grotesque about them when normal functioning ceases. Perhaps it’s grotesque (to me) because without our spirit within our bodies they are nothing but bags of flesh and muscle and fluids.

It is the soul within us that spurs the flesh to function.

My first reaction was intense sorrow. I actually cried for a moment. I despise waste. Whether its the waste of human life, food, money, time or potential, I get angry when I see it. My next thought was to Mr. Kirk’s wife and children. They are now, forever, without their provider, their protector, their example of manhood. And their family is never going to be the same.

It is then that my mind turned toward God and why this happened.

I know Charlie Kirk is a Christian and as such I know that he resides with his Savior-the same Savior that allowed Charlie to die. Yes, God is sovereign and nothing happens, good or bad, without His approval. I don’t understand it. I don’t like it. But I am not God. I did not create Charlie Kirk, God did. In the Old Testament book of Job, we meet a man named Job whom God favors and protects. Yet, one day in a conversation with “the Satan” (Hebrew for Accuser), God “allows” the Satan to take away everything and everyone (except his wife) that Job held dear. In his misery, in response to his wife’s plea to him to “curse God and die.” Job utters; “What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” 

Joseph, as recounted in the book of Genesis 50:20 confronts his brothers who had sold him into slavery, lied to their grieving father about the matter and kept their collective, shameful, secret from everyone. Years later the brothers came to Egypt looking for grain to buy and they and Joseph (though they didn’t recognize him at first) are reunited.

Joseph had risen to a position of power second only to the Pharoah of Egypt. And because of his character and his belief in God’s goodness, Joseph engineered the storing of grain in anticipation of a famine. Joseph’s response to seeing the brothers who condemned him to slavery? He said to his brothers; “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring about as it is this day to save many people alive. (NKJ)”

Vacillating between anger and sorrow I admit I allow my mind to wade into a vat of bitterness that covered me to a point that I wanted to punish anyone and everyone that would wish harm upon, not just Charlie Kirk but, anyone they disagree with about politics or world views.

And then I think about those people that more than likely do not know Jesus; that have no moral anchor, nothing to cling to when life doesn’t make sense, nothing to look forward to. Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot in his song “Sit down young stranger” says: “The answer is not easy, for souls are not reborn. To wear the crown of peace you must wear the crown of thorns. If Jesus had a reason I’m sure He would not tell. They treated Him so badly, how could He wish them well?”

This is what God calls us to do at times like this: Jesus, whipped, nailed by his hands and feet to a cross of wood pleaded with God to “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It was a way to communicate to us to accept His sovereignty. Accept that He is the Creator of everything and that we don’t have a say in how the universe is run.

Jesus told us to pray for our enemies and I am having a struggle to do that right now.

For those familiar with the Book of Job, during his suffering Job receives a lot of flak and bad counsel  from his friends and is mightily upbraided by God Himself for his response to what has happened to him and his family. So, the question arises; “What should have Job done?” I believe the answer is that he should have stopped talking after he proclaimed that we have to accept good and bad from our Lord and gotten back to the business of living.

A sad, sick individual decided that it would be a good idea to murder Charlie Kirk. History repeats itself ad nauseum with stories of lost souls looking for a way to prove that they matter in this world. They don’t know their Father, their Creator and as such direct their flailing, unsubstantiated anger at people they have never met nor would ever have a chance to meet which then gives way to planning and a chance at meaning through violence.

God gives us that meaning we so want to have and without Him we have a giant hole in our soul. We are simply bags of grotesque flesh going through the motions of life until we return to the dust.

In the end, I’m still sad because of what I see as waste. And while I am not in any way comparing Charlie Kirk to Jesus the Christ I have to believe that God is good and only wants the best for us. He sent His only Son to die so we could once again be in relationship with Him. Charlie was born of the flesh, then born of the Spirit when he accepted Jesus as his Savior and now he has been called to his eternal home.

Somehow I must find a way to shut up and accept what God has done.

Fall sports have officially arrived in Lincoln City!

 

Opening night of volleyball was dominated by Taft Tigers

From coach Boone Marker- “The Taft High School volleyball program is off to a dominant start to the 2025 season, with both the junior varsity and varsity squads earning convincing 3-0 sweeps over Toledo and Nestucca on Aug. 28.

The varsity Tigers showcased their depth and experience with two straight-set victories, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. With a strong returning core of seasoned players, the team looks poised to be a top contender in the tough 3A PacWest Conference. Their chemistry on the court, combined with solid defensive play and aggressive attacking, overwhelmed their opponents in both matches.

JV also impressed with back-to-back 3-0 wins, demonstrating the strength and depth of the program from top to bottom. Their early-season performance bodes well for the future of Taft volleyball.

With momentum already building, the Tigers are focused on maintaining their intensity as they prepare for a competitive league schedule. If these opening matches are any indication, Taft volleyball is a team to watch this season.”

The Tigers first home game is on Sept. 9 against Dayton. For more information on upcoming games, visit OSAA.org.

A difference of opinion

On a fog shrouded Sunday afternoon near the D River Wayside in Lincoln City, Oregon two groups stood, not just on opposite sides of a bridge but, on opposite sides of a movement.

The matter at hand is an effort to refer to voters a petition to recall Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall. Hall has come under scrutiny for several matters that have upset many locals. Chiefly, the complaint that Hall is running the Board of Commissioners (BOC) like a bully with no accountability to anyone, violating Oregon’s Open Meeting laws, and has resisted establishing rules of conduct for the BOC to abide by. The pro-recall group also cites ongoing conflict between Hall and Commissioner Casey Miller as well as District Attorney Jenna Wallace.

Commissioner Hall supporters rallied at the D River Wayside on Sunday.

The pro-Hall side countered with their version of events that, obviously, contradict those on the west side of the bridge. Citing Hall’s lengthy stay of office and a willingness to listen, they don’t seem to put much stock in the anti-Hall crowd’s claims. They proffered the notion that the anti-Hall crowd is anti-transexuals (Claire Hall proclaimed being transgender in 2018),and anti-homosexuals because the recall group is also seeking signatures to recall Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (whom NBC news referred to as “Oregon’s first lesbian governor.”).

 

recall petition and ballot initiative signatures were gathered at the event

While the recall group (who never mentioned anything personal about either elected individual), waved American flags and displayed “Recall Hall” signs, fellow members manned a folding table to gather signatures not just for the two recall efforts but also a petition to renew in person voting in Oregon and a petition to limit toll roads in Oregon.

Passing cars gave respectful honks to both sides and each group, so to speak, managed to stay in their own lanes. 

 

ODFW posts warning about clam harvesting

archived photo Justin Werner

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued a bay clam harvest advisory for Alsea Bay estuary

“ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams from Alsea Bay estuary after the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.” said Matthew Hunter, spokesperson for ODFW

The OHA issued a July 31 advisory due to the presence of cyanobacteria and now an Aug. 15 update due to very high saxitoxin (paralytic shellfish toxin) levels.

With Eckman Lake draining directly into the Alsea Bay estuary and that saxitoxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, ODFW recommends that people avoid harvesting and eating softshell and bay clams harvested from the estuary.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will test clams from Alsea Bay with results expected next week. 




Coast Guard rescue off Newport

0

mayday coast guardAccording to a United States Coast Guard representative, “Crews from across two districts worked together to assist three mariners aboard a disabled fishing vessel about 95 miles west of Newport, Oregon, this week.”

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alder, an Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircrew, an Air Station North Bend MH-65 Dolphin aircrew, and a Station Yaquina Bay 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) crew responded to the Defiant, a 97-foot fishing vessel, after it reported at 6:42 a.m. Sunday that it was disabled, adrift and in need of assistance.

Observers at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Coast Guard Northwest District coordinated with Coast Guard Pacific Area to launch the two aircrews. The air crews delivered much needed fresh drinking water, a radio, and a dewatering pump to the vessel at 6:40 p.m. Sunday.

Because of the distance offshore, Coast Guard Southwest District observers directed the Alder to tow the Defiant toward shore. The cutter arrived at 11:07 a.m. Tuesday, established a tow, and brought the vessel roughly 80 miles closer to land. At 10:56 a.m. Wednesday, about 15 miles from Newport, the tow was transferred to the Station Yaquina Bay MLB crew, which brought the Defiant safely into port.

“This mission showcased the Coast Guard’s ability to bring together crews, cutters, and aircraft from multiple commands to help mariners in need,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tahnee Zaccano, a search and rescue mission coordinator at the Northwest District command center. “It’s a testament to the teamwork, skill, and dedication of our Coast Guardsmen.”

No immediate service cuts for Lincoln County Transit

July 14, 2025 – Although several transit agencies in rural Oregon have announced
cutbacks in service due to federal funding uncertainty, for now it’s business as usual for
Lincoln County Transit.

The situation for rural transit programs was complicated by the failure of the
transportation bill in the Oregon Legislature.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is cutting staff as a result, including those who process funding to rural transit.

Although several agencies in the state are making immediate, significant cuts, Lincoln
County Transit Director Cynda Bruce says she’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach for
the time being. She said Lincoln County Transit has a healthy enough reserve to deal
with short-term revenue interruptions, although it’s unclear if service reductions will be
necessary in the long term if federal funds are ultimately withheld.

Most Lincoln County Transit riders rely on public transportation as their only means of
getting to work, school, medical appointments, and other destinations of necessity.
“We know how dependent on our services most of our riders are,” Bruce said. “We don’t
want to make cuts unless it’s absolutely certain they’re necessary.”
For questions, please contact Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp at
[email protected] or 541-265-4100.

Historic Cemeteries Commission to meet in Grand Ronde

1
Phot by Mike Byrd via Pexels

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Grand Ronde at the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, and via online meeting on July 24 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes discussion of the National Register of Historic Places and a presentation on the 2024 historic cemeteries grant projects. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.


State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at [email protected].


Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Siletz Bay Music Festival

Siletz Bay Music Festival presents
A 10-day musical adventure, August 14-24

Lincoln City, OR June 17, 2025–Presenting 11 concerts at five venues in Lincoln City and Newport, this summer’s Siletz Bay Music Festival will offer an adventurous program of chamber, jazz and orchestral music performed by 58 artists who travel to the Oregon coast from locations around the world.

Featuring a mix of seldom-performed masterworks and audience-pleasing favorites, the festival begins August 14 and runs through August 24.

Performances will be held at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, the Lincoln City Congregational Church, Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, Lincoln City’s Regatta Park Bandshell and Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Tickets are now on sale at SiletzBayMusic.org

This year’s Festival will feature new faces alongside many of the more familiar artists who have helped the series evolve over 13 seasons into the Central Oregon Coast’s premier cultural event. Under the leadership of artistic director Mei-Ting Sun, the Festival has engaged the internationally acclaimed conductor Johann Stuckenbruck to lead the orchestra. New work by Portland-based composer and cellist Nancy Ives, a musical tribute to Native American jazz legend Jim Pepper (Kaw, Creek), and performances of three all-time favorites from the repertoire of the mid-20th Century– Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” (featuring Mei-Ting Sun on piano) and Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez,” featuring the festival debut of Bulgarian-born guitar virtuoso Georgi Dimitrov-JoJo—will be among the festival highlights.

The chamber music series will include several nods to the 150th anniversary of the birth of French composer Maurice Ravel, and in addition to familiar pieces from the classical canon, will include compositions by Hungary’s Ernest Von Dohanyi, Italy’s Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Austria’s Alban Berg and American composer William Kroll.
Artists performing in the festi

Newport Sandcastle contest July 26, 2025

Newport Sandcastle contest

South Beach State Park will host its annual sandcastle competition 10 a.m. to noon July 26 in Newport.

Anyone can compete as an individual or as a team for a chance to win first, second or third place. Prizes include baskets with an assortment of beach-themed prizes with the first-place basket stocked with four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Visitors interested in competing can sign up in person starting at 9:30 a.m. July 26 on the beach next to the South Beach day-use parking lot.

“It’s a great opportunity for visitors to share their sand sculpting skills and connect with park volunteers and rangers,” said Ranger Patrick Newhall.

Last year, 20 teams with a total of 65 competitors vied for the top spots. And as many as 190 visitors watched the sandcastles take shape.

For more information, please contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.

Mussel harvest closure Tillamook Head to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River

Mussells (photo by themarinediaries.com)


SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Tillamook Head (south of Seaside) to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River (Florence) the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) – a naturally occurring marine biotoxin – is above the safety threshold.

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current harvest closures and openings:


Mussels:
OPEN from the WA border to Tillamook Head.
CLOSED from Tillamook Head to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River.
OPEN from the north jetty of the Siuslaw River to the CA border.
Razor clams: OPEN from the WA border to Cape Blanco.
CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the CA border.
Bay clams: OPEN coastwide.
Crabs: OPEN coastwide.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.